Josh Wilcox said he was sleeping in the house when the items were taken. The entire family, including the girls, has been shaken by the incident.

"They're just more aware of their surroundings now. They watch a little bit more and are afraid to go answer the door," Brenda Wilcox said.

Detective Lt. Roger Brandner of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office said detectives made arrests within 24 hours by tracing pawn store records to Jansma and connecting Jansma to Gordon through additional records.

Brandner described the thefts as heartless.

Between the Giving Tree, Pardeeville schools and other generosity from the community, the Wilcox family will now celebrate Christmas on time with a floor filled with presents for the children.

"Economically, this is a tough time for everybody, and so for these people to dig out of their own pockets and give to our kids shows a lot," Brenda Wilcox said. "It shows a lot that we come from a great community."

Brenda and Josh Wilcox said they hope others donate to organizations that offer children presents this holiday.

Copyright 2012 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.